dennis-c-moss_web.jpgRICHMOND HEIGHTS —Miami-Dade County officials recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of renovations and upgrades to the swimming pool at Sergeant Joe Delancy Park, 14450 Boggs Drive, and to kick off the Summer Safety Splash with swimming safety demonstrations and a day filled with water activities and fun.

Dennis C. Moss, Miami-Dade County commissioner for District 9, was joined by Jack Kardys, director of  Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation, staff and residents for the dedication of the facility.

The event marked the completion of improvements to the park and the grand opening of an array of new amenities for the community to enjoy.


The improvements include a new 1,500 square-foot splash playground, renovations and expansion of the pool, a new roof, additions to the picnic area, new landscaping, an expanded park irrigation system and newly expanded restrooms adding 1,100 square-feet.

With lifeguards on duty daily, the pool is open seven days a week.

Miami-Dade Parks implemented the project with funds totaling $2,297,567 from the countywide Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond and the Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Program.

Moss was instrumental in placing the bond series on the ballot, his office said in a statement. 

“Promises made, promises kept,” is how Moss put it when he addressed the gathering for the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Today’s events are a result of my commitment to the residents of Richmond Heights. It all started when, as I drove around Miami-Dade County observing some of the other areas of the community and saw the kinds of amenities that were at those particular pools. I said to myself, ‘Why not in my district?’”

The statement said Sergeant Joe Delancy Park holds significant memories for Moss, who grew up in the Richmond Heights community and was trained as a lifeguard at the pool and recreation center.


The renovations and improvements are among projects included in “The Moss Plan,” which was originally referred to as "South Dade Neighborhood Development Concept Plans." It was renamed by unanimous vote of  the Miami-Dade County Commission.

Projects benefiting from the plan include business expansion and development, street paving and road improvements, affordable housing, community centers/recreation facilities, community gateway signs, redevelopment and expansion of parks, beautification projects, crime prevention and homebuyer's counseling.

Photo: Dennis C. Moss